Clean diesel engines coming to a road, and track, near you

lean diesel technology is beginning to take root. Friday at our "Future of the Car" event I drove a couple of clean diesel SUVs, an Audi Q7 and a Mercedes-Benz ML320D. In both, the powertrains were very impressive: quiet, smooth, powerful, and quick. The Q7 is a stretched cousin of the Volkswagen Touareg while the ML320D is a diesel version of the familiar ML.

Since these were just trial laps around our swoopy mile-long ride evaluation course, and not instrumented runs, I can’t tell you what the timed acceleration numbers would be. By the seat-of-the-pants feel, these SUVs felt good, and if you weren’t told, you wouldn’t guess these were diesel engines. They felt punchy and responsive and there was no clatter, no smell, and no slow-motion takeoff. They will soon be joined on American roads by diesel versions of the Mercedes R320, GL320 (with the new Bluetec technology) SUVs, and the BMW 335 and X5. The Volkswagen Jetta diesel is already available.

It’s hard to overstate the potential significance of clean-diesel technology. The superior thermal efficiency of a diesel engine promises about 30 percent more miles per gallon than an equivalent gasoline engine, right from the get-go. If a big chunk of the current American fleet switched over to diesel, the cumulative fuel-savings would be gigantic. Essentially, it would cut fuel demand by one third without sacrificing space, power, or utility. The Audi and Mercedes-Benz reps who brought these vehicles to our test track told us that the cruising range of each was about 600 miles on a  tank.

The arrival of these first few clean diesels coincides with a milestone in air-quality standards, as well. Next year marks the completion of a phase-in period when all passenger vehicles -- both cars and light trucks, gasoline or diesel powered -- must meet the same stringent emissions standards, technically known as Tier 2 regulations. The rules put strict limits on smog-forming or otherwise toxic emissions, including carbon monoxide, non-methane organic gases, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter.

Particulate matter, or soot, has been a special concern with diesels, since fine particulates have been linked to lung disease. The Tier 2 standards reduce allowable particulate matter emissions to zero.

The other emissions hurdle that diesels have had to overcome to make the grade here is on oxides of nitrogen, or NOx emissions. NOx is one of the smog-forming pollutants. Engines that run lean, meaning they run using lots of air and relatively little fuel, tend to create lots of NOx just as a result of combusting the oxygen portion of atmospheric air and the chemical reaction that creates. Part of the Bluetec system jointly developed and used by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Chrysler, and Volkswagen/Audi have a special method for dealing with NOx emissions.

Some vehicles will use a urea-injection system that combines with catalytic action to filter out NOx, while others, such as the Jetta, use a soot and NOx trap that is periodically flushed by running the engine a little rich and catalytically burning the accumulated soot.

This technology enables the smooth, powerful diesel powertrains like those sampled at the test track. But could diesels go even further to improve vehicle fuel economy? I’ll explore that in my next blog.

—Gordon Hard

Car, pickup truck, SUV, and tire recalls

Recently, there have been several recalls worth noting from Audi, Bridgestone Firestone, General Motors, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz. But first, a major one from Ford:

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury – Nearly five million unrepaired vehicles could pose serious fire hazard

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of certain Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and passenger cars to take their vehicles to a local dealership immediately for a corrective repair. The vehicles contain a defective cruise control switch that could lead to a fire at any time, even while the vehicle is turned-off, parked and unattended. Repair parts are readily available.

NHTSA remains concerned that many owners have yet to respond to multiple safety defect recall notifications from Ford. Of the 12 million vehicles involved in the recall, nearly five million have not yet been brought to Ford for repair.

The involved vehicles are:

1993–2004 Ford F-150
1993–1999 Ford F-250 (gasoline engine)
1993–1996 Ford Bronco
1994–1996 Ford Econoline
1997–2002 Ford Expedition
1998–2002 Lincoln Navigator
1998–2002 Ford Ranger
1992–1998 Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Grand Marquis
1993–1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993–1995 Ford Taurus SHO with automatic transmission
1994 Mercury Capri
1998–2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
2001–2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac
1992–1993 and 1997–2003 Ford E-150-350 gasoline or natural-gas vehicles
2002 Ford E-550 gasoline engine vehicles
1996–2003 Ford E-450 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
1994–2002 Ford F-250 through F-550 Super Duty trucks (gasoline engine)
2000–2002 Ford Excursion (gasoline engine)
2003 F-250 – F-550 Super Duty, Ford Excursion
1995–2002 Ford F53 Motor home chassis
2002–2003 Lincoln Blackwood

Consumers with questions should contact their local Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer, or call 1-888-222-2751. Additional information is available at Ford.com.

Audi is recalling nearly 14,000 A8 vehicles equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may slide out of position over time, allowing the shifter to be moved out of the "Park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock. This could allow the vehicle to roll, risking a crash. Dealers will make the necessary modifications to secure the locking cable in place. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Bridgestone bias-ply motorcycle and scooter tires

Bridgestone Firestone (BFNT) is recalling over 4,000 Bridgestone bias-ply motorcycle and scooter tires that fail to conform to the labeling requirements of a federal safety standard. BFNT will notify owners and replace the noncompliant tires free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact BFNT at 1-615-937-3442.

2006-2008 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and Hummer H2; 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Saturn Outlook; 2008 Buick Enclave – heated wiper washer fluid system

GM is recalling over 850,000 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Saturn vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system that could overheat. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. GM has yet to announce when owners will be notified. In the meantime, owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608- 8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Saturn at 1-800-972-8876; GMC at 1-866-996-9436; or Hummer at 1-800- 732-5493; or MyGMLink.

2008 Buick Enclave and 2007-2008 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook – windshield wipers

GM is recalling over 88,000 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook vehicles currently or previously registered in the following states: AK, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WV, WI, WY and DC. Snow and ice buildup on the windshield or wipers could cause the wipers to become inoperative. Dealers will install a new wiper mechanisms. The recall is expected to begin during October. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or at MyGMLink.

2008 Hyundai Elantra – fuel pump

Hyundai is recalling 65,000 Elantra vehicles with 2.0-liter “beta” engines. The fuel pump motor may produce less pressure than required to supply the fuel-injection system. Dealers will replace the fuel pump subassembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

2009 Jaguar XF – rear safety belt

Jaguar is recalling nearly 8,000 XF vehicles due to a problem with the rear safety belt. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury. Dealers will correct the condition. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

2007-2008 Mazda6 – fuel tanks

Mazda is recalling 7,200 Mazda6 vehicles with California emission specifications. The metal fuel tanks on the affected vehicles may have been damaged during the assembly process, which could lead to a fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the fuel tank, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, Option 2.

2001-2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (Model 215), 2002-2006 S-Class (Model 220)
2003-2007 SL-Class (Model 230), 2007-2008 CL-Class (Model 216), 2007 S-Class (Model 221) – acceleration sensors

Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 4,500 CL-Class, S-Class and SL-Class vehicles equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) acceleration sensors on the front struts. The ABC sensors may have been installed improperly, which can adversely influence the vehicle's directional stability and could lead to a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front ABC sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

—Desiree Calamari

Driving Euro diesels from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, and Mini

More than half the cars sold in Europe are high-mpg diesels. So given the opportunity to sample four models directly from the Continent, we hoped to find out if modern European diesels are good enough to entice American drivers.

Small-displacement engines with big torque and fuel economy numbers have long been considered forbidden fruit to the U.S. market. With the revised, ultra-low-sulfur fuel recently adopted in the States, we are seeing a slow influx of European diesel models reach our shores. Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have lead this wave of new diesels, and several other automakers have announced plans to bring more here.

So, what do we have to look forward to? We got a taste last week by attending the annual International Motor Press Association (IMPA) track days at Pocono Raceway, where we piloted several imported diesel models provided by Bosch. We sampled four European-market diesel models: 2009 Audi A4 3.0 TDI Quattro, 2007 BMW 123d hatchback, 2007 Chrysler 300D, and 2008 Mini Cooper D. (Bosch supplies some of the fuel injection and emissions control equipment for these cars that allow them to meet stringent air quality standards in Europe. They say the cars could also be made 50-state compliant in the U.S.)

In our review of the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec diesel last year, we raved that its modern diesel engine was not only clean, but also felt as smooth and powerful as a gasoline engine. (Watch our video road test.)

In driving the four European cars at IMPA, it is clear that modern diesels are much smoother and quieter than those engines Americans may remember from the 1980s. But not all are as refined as gas engines, or as that E320.

I was very impressed with the Audi A4 3.0 TDI. This A4 has 236 hp and a whopping 369 lb-ft of torque, giving it impressive acceleration. The car was also quiet, relaxed, and refined in driving on the street. It’s rated at a combined 36 mpg on the European fuel economy test cycle. And several of us came away from a lap around the road course wearing wide smiles.

The Mini Cooper D gets impressive fuel economy (rated at 60 mpg combined on the European fuel economy test cycle). The Cooper D driven at Pocono didn’t require as much shifting as our base Mini Cooper with a manual transmission to stay in the power band, but it had a notably gruff engine sound. The same was true for the torquey and entertaining BMW 123d hatchback, which was rated at 45 mpg overall. Both the Mini and the BMW included an auto-stop feature that shut the engine off when the car was stopped to avoid wasting fuel when idling.

Bosch tells us the Chrysler 300D uses the same 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine as the Mercedes we tested. It was plenty powerful in the Chrysler, but not as smooth as in the Mercedes. (Also, we smelled diesel fumes after making a U-turn, whereas we couldn’t smell a thing in the Mercedes, even with our nose near the tailpipe while it was idling.) It’s rated at 35 mpg overall.

In the end, the lesson is that while modern technology has dramatically reduced diesel vibration and sluggishness, they aren’t as smooth as the best gas engines. Powertrain noise and vibration suppression are a combination of engine design, noise reduction under hood, and engine mounting technology. Nevertheless, the sacrifices to drive a diesel are much smaller than they once were, making the fuel economy improvements and abundant torque all the more compelling.

Now if only diesel fuel prices were closer to regular gasoline…

—Eric Evarts

Pricing: 2009 Audi A4 Avant and sedan

Pricing for the new 2009 Audi A4 has just been released, with the sedan version starting at $32,700. It will come equipped with the  2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, this time producing 211 hp, and as before,  will be available with a 3.2-liter V6 engine. All-wheel-drive comes on both. Later front-wheel drive models will also be available. Starting at $34,500, the A4 Avant wagon will be equipped with the four-cylinder engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Audi boasts better fuel economy in the new A4 line than the previous version due to various  engine tweaks.

Consumer Reports has recommended the previous version of the A4, but found that it had cramped rear seats. Audi has endeavored to address this shortcoming with the redesigned model boasting a larger interior with increased rear seat room.

The A4 includes a few new driver assistance options including a lane assist system that warns a driver if the car is moving to a lane without the turn signal, side assist which uses radar sensors that scan the area behind or alongside the vehicle to see if another vehicle is approaching. Audi braking guard, which works with adaptive cruise control to determine if a crash is imminent is reminiscent of a Volvo system. A flashing red light and an audible signal warn the driver. If that doesn’t work, the car will brake for a brief moment to get the driver’s attention.

The 2009 A4 will arrive at dealerships September 15th, although some dealers may have the vehicles available for test drives in mid-August.

—Liza Barth

Detroit auto show - Personal picks

The Cars team reflects on the 2008 Detroit auto show, selecting their personal picks for the most memorable, significant, or simply favorite cars at the event.

Audi R8 V12 TDI:
Last week, I gushed over the brilliant Audi R8 V12 TDI concept (see blog). The intoxication of it has stuck with me like a bad cold...I can't seem to shake it. The look is mean. The headlights squint at you like Clint Eastwood. The engine looks like it should be in a museum of modern art. And while Audi also had a "standard" R8 on display, it was one of only a few cars people were waiting in line to sit in. This car could reside in my garage forever.—Mike Quincy

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1/Hummer HX:
These pure vehicles push American icons to new reaches. The ZR1 is history in the making. It is an amazing performance machine that will fuel my automotive fantasies for quite some time, and is certain to be chronicled for generations to come. The Hummer HX represents the long-rumored H4, a Jeep Wrangler alternative intended to provide an attainable entry to the off-roading brand, and, now it may also represent a potential production savior for a brand that has become the pariah of the Green movement. Make it affordable, with a traditional square back and a thrifty diesel, and watch the Hummer "jamborees" flourish. Granted, the Corvette and Hummer are quite  different vehicles, but each represents extreme fun, and who doesn't want more of that?—Jeff Bartlett

Fisker Karma:
Designed by custom car designer Henrik Fisker (who also penned the BMW Z8, one of my favorite cars ever), the Fisker shows that hybrids -- even futuristic advanced plug-in hybrids that will run all day on electricity -- aren't just for environmentalist ninnies. It looks great and reportedly goes fast. (A top speed of 125 mph and 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds are as fast as any mere mortal should need to go on land.) In short, it should give even the most jaded car enthusiasts an environmentally friendly hybrid they can lust after.

In terms of affordability, however, I've got to name the Honda CR-Z as my runner up. It marries hybrid efficiency to sports-car fun just like the Fisker. It isn't as advanced, and it is limited by being a two-seater. But it has the fun-to-drive element sorely lacking in Honda's last mileage champ, the Insight. And best of all, most car shoppers should be able to afford it.—Eric Evarts

Jeep Renegade/Cadillac CTS coupe:
This was my 15th time attending the Detroit auto show and, overall, it was a relatively boring event. There were no outrageous introductions such as a Chrysler minivan landing on stage, no retro chic surprises like the Volkswagen New Beetle, or first-time viewings of highly anticipated significant vehicles.

That said, I'd have to go with styling features that caught my eye. The Jeep Renegade concept, for example, was eye candy that I hope someday becomes a modern beach buggy. Forget the electric drive. Cash-strapped Chrysler is busy enough trying to survive. Not to mention the paradox of"go anywhere" marketing and getting stuck with an empty battery. A much more realistic and closer to production styling statement was the Cadillac CTS coupe. Even though I'm not much of a coupe fan, it looked spectacular.—Gabe Shenhar

Honda CR-Z:
I really liked the Honda CR-Z. With styling that is a dead-ringer for the old (and beloved CRX), the CR-Z's possible hybrid powertrain looks to vault this little runabout to the top of the fuel economy mountain... just like the original CRX. Honda is also disciplined at keeping weight low and suspension tuning interesting, so I imagine driving one will be a ball. Let's hope it's affordable.—David Champion

Toyota Venza:
Over the course of the show I was consistently drawn back to one car: the Toyota Venza. But not because I'm wowed by its styling, price, powerplant, or features. It's because I have no idea where it will fit in the Toyota lineup. Between the RAV4, Highlander, Avalon, and even the base Sienna, how many 5-passenger people movers are needed from one manufacturer? This odd vehicle certainly drew my attention each day... and the resulting quizzical stares as I tried to determine its niche.—Jon Linkov

Also read Cliff Weathers' pick for best in show.

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Detroit auto show. And discuss the event in our auto show forum. 

                                                                                                           

                   

Audi R8 V12 TDI concept: Beauty and the diesel beast

Audi's R8 is a stunner. With the TDI version making 500 hp and containing more aluminum than a Coca-Cola distributor, the 6.0-liter, V12 diesel engine is a work of art.

I usually try to resist fawning over a car, but this one deserves every automotive journalism cliche ever written:

• "Looks fast even standing still."
• "More horsepower than Kellogg's has Corn Flakes."
• "A body a supermodel would die for."

The car is also laced with carbon fiber, shiny red brake calipers and—perhaps the real show-stopper—a glass engine cover revealing the heart of this mid-engine beast. I think it would be interesting pulling up to an interstate truck stop for fuel. Not only would the R8 seek out a diesel pump, it might even be able to drive under a semi to get there.

Beyond its looks, this car—at least the "standard" 420-hp, V8-powered R8—has the chops. My colleague, Jake Fisher, had a chance to drive one at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, CA.

"Most amazing driving experience I've ever had... just phenomenal," said Fisher.

"The R8 has incredible performance, grip and limits," he added. (And Jake isn't easily impressed.)

Unfortunately, while the R8 is a beauty, its price is absolutely beastly. You'll have to ante-up $109,000 to get your foot in the door.

Audi claims the R8 will go from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach 185 mph. Here's the kicker: Audi says the R8 TDI will also get 28 mpg. Go fast and not feel guilty. That's a New Year's resolution I'll buy into.

Read more on the R8. And watch our video on Detroit diesels.

—Mike Quincy

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Detroit auto show. And discuss the event in our auto show forum.

The Audi Rockstar

Rocker Bryan Adams did the honors of singing and playing his acoustic guitar at the Audi press conference today. My colleague, Jon Linkov, noted that this entertainment made the presentation much livelier than what he saw at BMW. "Except for the dancers," said Linkov. "I don't know where BMW found them, but these karate-like experts were unbelievable...and much more energetic than the presenters." Of course, it was late in the afternoon, and we were sipping on huge cans of Rockstar energy drink, hoping to help us bounce-back from the sensory overload exhaustion under the hot lights in Cobo.

BTW: I think I know what causes global warming: pack a thousand journalists shoulder-to-shoulder in one of these press conferences, and you begin to feel the temperatures rise faster than Hanna Montana ticket prices. The hot air from the presenters doesn't help, either.

But what was interesting—refreshing, perhaps—about Mr. Adams' singing was that the volume wasn't loud enough to shake the water out of the Lake Michigan. Maybe I'm getting old, but is there a reason the auto manufacturers need to blast the music so loud during these presentations? ("Yeah, but mine goes to 11" - for all you Spinal Tap fans.) I wonder why Audi chose him, though. He's from Canada - more than a stone's throw from Germany. And, I guess, Audi officials didn't really want him to sing "Can't Stop This Thing We Started" to avoid all those bad memories of the unintended acceleration thing. Adams also didn't sing "Open Road" (the only car-related song I could find in his catalog). And, honestly, I can't name the tune he sang - must be off a new album. Perhaps it was "(Everything I Do) I Do It For [Audi]", or "Thought I'd Died And Gone To Heaven [driving my new Audi]." Actually, those aren't the real titles, but you must admit that the pairing does seem odd.

I mean, in the Summer Of '69, Audi was barely a blip on North America's radar screen. Now, however, the company knows Only The Strong Survive and is poised to offer a product line that isn't Wastin' Time getting buyer's attentions.

I'll stop now... Please forgive me. Blame the Rockstar.

—Mike Quincy

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Detroit auto show. And discuss the event in our auto show forum.

Dealing with car vandalism

I recently returned from a vacation to find my personal car, a 1996 Audi A4, vandalized. I left the sedan at an off-site, private airport parking service. Apparently the company did not put it in a secure parking lot, and thieves looking to steal it, presumably for parts, created some significant damage.

Vandalism to your car is something most of us know could happen, but don't always worry about. However, it's important to know what to do in the event this happens. In my case, the car was parked about 2 hours (120 miles or so) away from home, making this situation even more stressful, since I wasn't sure how I was getting home. Although I grew up in New Jersey, I wasn't familiar with where I should take the car to be repaired/stored/fixed/inspected. Plus, getting home meant taking an epic taxi ride or calling in a big favor from a friend or family member, or renting a car.  Not a good position to be in after a trip.

I've taken away a few lessons from this situation and want to share them with you to make sure you are prepared in case you suffer a similar fate.

1 - Keep important data handy. Before you even get into a situation like this, make sure you have your insurance company phone and policy number with you at all times. Keep this information in a date book or PDA, or even on a slip of paper in your wallet or purse. Include with it your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license plate number. Depending on paperwork or a cell phone that was left in your glove box won't help you if the entire car is stolen or has been rifled through.

2 - Call the police. Insist that they come to the location so you can file a report. Get the name and contact number of the officer who takes the report, and find out when and where you can get a copy of the report. This information will be important later on when dealing with your insurance company.

3 - Contact your insurance company immediately. They will take down relevant information and guide you as to what to do. Make sure you ask them any question you may have, such as towing or rental car needs. Don't assume anything.

4 - Document everything. Document all of the damage done, as well as any missing items. If the car was damaged when in the hands of a valet, garage, or when under the care of another party, go over the list with them and fill out any necessary paperwork. Request a copy of this paperwork, although they may claim that company policy prevents them from giving it to you. Get the name, title, and contact information for all of the people you deal with. If you have a camera, or even a camera phone, take pictures of everything.

Going forward, keep a folder of all paperwork, receipts, and notes of conversations you have regarding the vehicle. It's important to keep this organized and at hand, as you will inevitably be dealing with adjusters, the police, company representatives, and the repair shop at various times over the next few days and weeks.

5 - Finally, keep calm. It sounds silly, but getting mad or frustrated won't help. Yes, you feel violated and vulnerable, but you need to keep your wits about you to make important decisions over the next few hours.

This isn't a hard-and-fast list, and everyone's situation will vary. But use it as a guide to prepare yourself and your family members if it should ever happen. College students, in particular, often live hours or days away from home, and should make sure they are prepared in advance in case their car is damaged.

In the end, my car came close to being totaled by the insurance company. The high labor rates and prices for some of the parts totaled over $4,000. The value of the car was just past the threshold for automatically totaling the car. I chose to get it repaired, since it is mechanically solid. It took almost three months before I got back the car and had my deductible reimbursed by the parking facility's insurance company. I am still waiting for my rental car costs to be reimbursed. And yet, without the police report and accurate record keeping, the process would have been worse.

--Jon Linkov

Personal picks: Upscale sedans, part 3

Here are more staff perspectives on the upscale sedans test group:

Jon Linkov: I'm a member of the demographic that is perfect for these smaller, sporty sedans (dual income, no kids...DINK), but I'm having a real hard time picking any of them as a favorite. Yes, the new Infiniti G is a head-and-shoulders improvement over the previous generation. The interior is significantly better and the engine is even more powerful, but the lack of a sixth gear for the automatic is painful, both at highway speeds and in the wallet when you have to fill up with premium. The mileage for the G and what I find as a smallish trunk and rear seat rule it out. (Hey, DINKs have other DINKs as friends!)

I'm personally partial to Audis (own two, have leased a third), but they've gotten too heavy for my tastes. Where is “Sporty” and “Light” in German cars? Now we have “Heavy (though powerful)” and “Complicated.”

No, if I was spending cash right now and only had these models to choose from, I'd probably buy the Altima 2.5 S. Mileage is good at 25 mpg overall, performance is more than needed one these congested Tri-State (NY/NJ/CT) roads, and it's a pretty roomy car. The V6 is a sweet car, but the $9,000 price difference would make the four-cylinder model even more appealing.

I'm also looking forward to spending time in an Altima Hybrid, when CR tests it. I spent some time driving a press model in California (along with an Altima coupe) and really liked it. Sporty-ish and great mileage? There’s a lot to like.

Eric Evarts: My editor, and faithful readers, will confirm that I’m known for rooting for the underdog in these exercises. Not this time. As far as I’m concerned, the Infiniti G35 has little competition in this category. I confess that I even felt the same way about the old G35, despite its plasticky interior and slightly goofy ergonomics. For me, this one eliminates those flaws and wipes the competition off the map. Let’s see, the competition: Almost any BMW newer than about 15 years old makes me feel like a yuppie poseur behind the wheel. (OK, I loved the old M-coupe despite its flaws and especially the Z8, which had few.) I used to love the Audi A4, but the new turbo engine sounds like a tractor and the car has become a bit too upscale. The Mercedes C-Class is nice, but it is cramped and has frustrating controls. The reliability of all three ranges from dubious to downright poor.

 

The G35 has razor-sharp handling; a silky rocket of a power plant; a decent back seat; and every whiz-bang electronic gizmo you could want. Plus, the old model had excellent reliability in its last years. All I’m left wishing for is to be able to order one with all-wheel-drive and a manual transmission.

Update: Audi Q7 rear backup camera

In June 2006, we posted a blog entry on the problems with the 2007 Audi Q7 backup camera. We noted that in order for the backup camera to operate, drivers needed to accept a legal disclaimer. We found this frustrating, since backup cameras are a useful safety feature and the delay could cause drivers to backup before the camera revealed what is behind the vehicle.

We have been notified by Audi that the disclaimer has been removed for all production models. There were approximately 2,237 Q7’s built before the software update and there are 20,552 vehicles that now have the upgrade that eliminates the disclaimer. Audi plans to notify customers of the change and offer an improved navigation package that not only removes the disclaimer, but offers the latest navigation information that is available in newer models.

--Liza Barth

If a cupholder is a distraction, then what’s this?

iDrive. Command. MMI. PCM. Four different driver-interaction systems, all with one thing in common: They come from German companies that are supposed to focus on driving. Let's face it, when you're cruising down the Autobahn at 125 mph, you shouldn't focus on anything other than driving.

So, it was understandable that Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche might have been loathe to put cupholders in their cars. According to these manufacturers, people shouldn't be worried about drinking in their car. Rather, they should take driving seriously. Even today, examine the cupholders in a Boxster, 911, or 3 Series. They look like they can hold a small Dixie-type cup that you'd find at the dentist, not 7-11. (Mercedes finally went Big Gulp with the huge cupholders in their new SUVs, like the ML and GL. But to free up the console space for cupholder goodness, they had to change the gear selector to an error-prone electronic wand on the steering column.)

But why do we need these complicated driver-interaction systems? Functions such as adjusting the seat heaters in an Audi, once just a matter of rolling a small wheel, now involves buttons and the joystick controller. The process wasn't broken, so why "fix" it?!

The systems certainly haven't streamlined dashboards by removing buttons. In our Q7, not only did we have blank spaces where an option button would reside if we had purchased it, we also had MMI buttons that didn't work because we didn't choose that associated option either. So much for elegant, streamlined design.  The process to change from AM to FM to Sirius satellite involves using the buttons and the joystick. Finally, trying to sync up the driver and passenger temperature controls involved four attempts before the system would accept my changes. Certainly not the best way to make the driver focus on the task at hand... driving.

--Mike Quincy

Personal picks: Three-row SUVs

For the November 2006 magazine, we reported on a group of three-row,  luxury SUVs and upscale AWD wagons in "Living Large" (available to subscribers). We tested, measured, and rated these vehicles, declaring their strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance in detail. A big task, to be sure.

We've since had time to reflect on our subjective impressions, and following monthly tradition, we share our personal preferences in this first of several posts:

Tom Mutchler: My pick: a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser. Why so specific -- and so old? I'll explain.

Even though the Mercedes GL is an impressive packaging feat, with room for grown-ups in the third-row seat, a minivan offers more comfort and more cargo space for seven than any of these SUVs (the test group included the Mercedes-Benz GL450; Mercedes-Benz R500; Volvo XC90 V8; Audi Q7 4.2; and Cadillac Escalade). None of these trucks are that much fun to drive either. (Maybe the new Acura MDX or BMW X5 will change that.)

So, the only reason for me to own a big three-row SUV is for off-roading or towing the 23-foot Airstream Safari trailer I've been dreaming about. The Land Cruiser will tow the 5,600 pound Airstream, is great off-road, is really reliable, has a nice interior, and is a bit smaller and more maneuverable than most big SUVs. But why 2000? Because that's the first year with stability control. And given the price of Airstreams, I sure can't afford a new tow vehicle...

Gabe Shenhar: Sure, I wouldn't mind having the Mercedes GL, the top-rated vehicle in this group. With oodles of space and responsive handling, plus the ride and cabin quietness of a luxury car, there isn't much not to like about this coach. Where the other large SUVs are big on the outside, not so roomy inside, the GL is quite the opposite: it's large where it counts the most. But so is the as-tested nearly $68,000 price tag, which quickly brings me back to reality. In that case, the Honda Pilot is still the one to beat among car-based, three-row SUVs. At the GL's heady price, you'd think the Mercedes has everything the Honda has and then some wouldn't you? Actually, the GL doesn't have the rear camera that comes on Pilots with navigation. Not only is the Pilot a great value at about $35,000, it's also quick, refined, fuel efficient, doesn't feel like a truck to drive, and is much less ostentatious than the Mercedes.

Cliff Weathers: You'll get no arguments from me that the Audi Q7's MMI driver interaction system is cumbersome to use. I also found it quite irritating that the dashboard screen didn't engage the back-up camera until I clicked "Accept" on the screen's disclaimer. Yes, there are a lot of frustrating things about the Q7, but I still really love how it drives. Everything else in this group felt bloated, but the Q7 was very quiet and felt nimble. With many big SUVs, I feel very detached from the road and uncomfortable with my vehicle's girth; I didn't feel this way with the Q7.

The SUV market right-sizes

Much has been written about the seemingly overnight fall from grace of domestic large SUVs. GM's redesigned Tahoes and Suburbans sit unsold on dealer lots, and Ford's recently announced it will both cut production by 20 percent and slash marketing dollars on their largest SUVs before the newest models are even fully launched--almost as if cutting production to adjust for reduced demand is a new business practice. Ford, apparently, thinks it's still operating in the climate of the mid-90s.

Shifting consumer buying trends in the face of elevated gas prices has hit on the European luxury SUVs, as well. The favored rides of both the wealthy and heavily-financed poseurs everywhere, premium Euro SUVs tend to face a more fickle audience enraptured with the latest mechanical beast for shuttling kids to private schools.

In watching trends this summer, we saw BMW X5 sales make a 24.5% drop in sales year-over-year and the Porsche Cayenne sales experience a more dramatic 33.9% decrease. It can be argued that both the outgoing X5 and the Cayenne are somewhat long in the tooth, impacting their curb appeal. And while these fashion accessories are not nearly as large as domestic truck-based units, they're getting bigger.

Audi went large with their first SUV, the seven-seat, V8-powered,nearly 5500-lb Q7 launched earlier this year. Mercedes-Benz recently plus-sized with the GL-Class, an even heavier seven-seater, just as prices of their R-Class wagon-meets-SUV have already been cut to boost slow sales. (Both performed well in our testing; the results will be published in the November issue of CR magazine.)

There may always be a market for the full-sized SUV as a tow and work vehicle, but the personal market shows signs of right-sizing as buyers place fuel economy at the top of their purchase considerations. We've received lots of letters/emails with claims that people are abandoning their Sequoias in favor of a Highlander or even a CR-V. The advent of the RAV4 V6 and Acura RDX indicate that there may be a market for small SUVs with power and luxury amenities--attributes that were once the domain of larger vehicles.

With gas prices now averaging under $2.50/gallon nationwide, after a recent spike to over $3/gallon, there may be an opportunity for the full-size and luxury SUV segments to regain their sales strength before pump prices climb again. But we aren't seeing it yet.

In the end, consumer choices may be as influential in reducing national gasoline consumption as the long-deliberated, fuel-related legislation.

--Jim Travers

Audi Q7: Here's looking at you

We just took delivery of a new Audi Q7. We opted for the $2,400 Technology Package that includes  a rear-view camera--a feature than can be helpful with some big SUVs known to have large blind spots behind the rear bumper. 

However, the Q7 requires acceptance of a legal disclaimer before the backup camera will operate, performed with Audi’s frustrating Multi-Media Interface (MMI) driver-interaction system that controls audio, navigation, and other settings. 

The owner's manual admits: “If the MMI Display or the MMI is switched off, or if it is in the start-up phase, no rear-view camera picture appears in the MMI Display. The rear-view camera picture is available as soon as the MMI Display or the MMI is switched on, or the start-up phase is completed.”

We think this is preposterous--you shouldn't have to accept anything or press a button to see the rear-view camera image on screen. Most other vehicles give this vital safety information immediately upon putting the shifter in reverse.

Making the problem worse, we found that once you turned the engine on and put the transmission in reverse, you still had to wait between 6-7 seconds for the disclaimer to be accepted and the backup camera to show what’s behind the vehicle. This amount of time would allow a driver to back up some distance before revealing what is behind the vehicle--certainly enough time to back over an object, or even a small child.

The Q7’s owner’s manual states that even if you don’t see the rear-view camera picture, the “acoustic distance signal is always active.” However, we’ve found that backup sensors are useful as parking aides but not good as a back-over safety feature.

We think this is a bad design that, too easily, can render a useful safety feature like the backup camera useless, possibly leading to a tragic incident.

--Mike Quincy

From the pet-peeve dept.: Audi A4 radio

A stereo with Radio Data System (RDS) can provide useful information, like song titles, artists, or station information. But here in Connecticut, many stations don’t utilize that capability. They either leave the display blank or, far more annoying, use it to scroll an advertisement for their station in your car.

Normally this isn’t a big deal; the radio display in the center stack scrolls away and it’s out of eyesight. But some cars, like the Audi A4 we’re testing, have a radio information display right in front of you between the gauges. It’s really distracting to be driving and see the constant flickering of “Today’s … Best … Music … Variety …” Happily, the A4 has a big “RDS” button on the stereo head unit that ends this unwanted advertisement – but it still makes you pine for satellite radio, which almost always displays the artist and song (although at a price).

--Tom Mutchler